Rugby Australia has granted releases to Maddie Ashby and Sariah Paki from the national sevens program, enabling the pair to pursue opportunities in the NRL Women’s Premiership (NRLW) this season. Ashby, who served as co-captain of the Australian sevens team, has been linked to the Cronulla Sharks, while Paki is currently training with the Sydney Roosters and has confirmed her cross-code switch on social media.

The decision came at the end of last week, following protracted negotiations between Rugby Australia and the NRL regarding player availability. Initially, Rugby Australia declined requests for players to participate in the NRLW for a single season before returning to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games. This stance contrasted with the case of Teagan Levi, who was permitted a one-season release to join the Gold Coast Titans while maintaining her sevens contract.

Levi’s release set a precedent that appears to have influenced subsequent approvals for other players wishing to move temporarily to rugby league. Faith Nathan, another sevens squad member, had also expressed interest in joining the NRLW this year, while Sid Taylor has already signed with the Newcastle Knights. It remains possible that Taylor, Ashby, and Paki could return to the sevens program next year to resume Olympic preparations once the NRLW season concludes.

In addition to their club commitments, these players may be considered for selection in the Jillaroos squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, reflecting their potential impact across both codes.

Ashby, who resides in Penrith, has previous ties to rugby league through her participation in the Cronulla junior pathways before signing with Rugby Australia. The release of Ashby and Paki underscores a growing trend of cross-code movement as athletes navigate opportunities between rugby union and league ahead of major international competitions.